One of my favorite movies in recent years is the true story of the tragedy and “triumph” of the Marshall University Thundering Herd. For those who have seen the movie, or even the trailer, you are familiar with the words, “We are Marshall!” It was a combination of a battle cry and a connection between the players, coaches and fans of Marshall University. It was something that united them together for something bigger than any individual.
Brad WhittThis afternoon, that little phrase kept going through my mind. I could see little snippets from the movie flashing through my mind. Many of the emotions that I felt while watching that movie came back as well.
Then, the phrase, “We are South Carolina Baptists!” thundered through my mind. “We are South Carolina Baptists!” Unlike many in this state who were born here, raised here, called to ministry here, and have served here their entire ministries, I have been a South Carolina Baptist for just shy of a decade. However, I have come to consider myself among the most blessed of all pastors to have been brought here to serve in such a great state alongside so many great pastors and people.
“We are South Carolina Baptists!” We are united in a common mission – to reach this state and the world for Christ. We are united for a common ministry – to share and show the love of Jesus to those in our communities, counties, country, continent and to the “utter most parts” of his creation. We are united by a common Master – Jesus, the Living Word of the Living God. In short, what unites us should be, and in fact must be, bigger than anything that would divide us.
I realize that we all have our unique contexts and even approaches to this ministry and mission that our Master has called us to. Some minister in urban settings, showing the love of Jesus through practical means of meeting basic needs as a method of meeting people’s greatest need. Some minister in rural settings, to small congregations, “tent making” during the day and “disciple making” at night and Sundays. Some lead large congregations and travel across the country preaching “the old, old story of Jesus and his love.” Some sing new songs that many have never heard before, while others sing songs that have been the “heart songs” of the church for centuries. When we look at all of these differences, it’s easy to see what makes us different instead of seeing the One who makes us one.
I want to encourage every one of us to seek ways to work with those whom the Lord has placed around us so that together we can accomplish the mission that he has given to all of us. The work is too great, the stakes are too high, the time is too short for us to be picking and pointing out what would hinder us from working together. As long as we can gather around the Master, his mission and the ministry that he has given to us, we must work together.
I want to encourage you again to make plans to gather with those who have been called by the same One who called you this coming Nov. 15 at Riverland Hills Baptist Church in Irmo. I believe that as we gather together with all of our differences, united by the One who connects us all, I believe we will get a picture of what heaven must surely be like.
We are South Carolina Baptists!